Sandton’s Water Infrastructure Crisis: What Every Resident Needs to Know in 2025

Sandton, often seen as the crown jewel of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, is facing a severe and growing water infrastructure crisis. Once known for its modern conveniences and upscale lifestyle, the suburb is now contending with outdated pipes, frequent supply cuts, and increasing pressure on its water system. These challenges are having a noticeable effect on residential properties and the people who live in them.

Ageing Infrastructure and System Backlogs

Johannesburg Water has reported that nearly 60% of the city’s water infrastructure is beyond its planned lifespan. A backlog of R27 billion in maintenance and upgrades has left key parts of the system vulnerable to collapse. Experts estimate that the city will require R90 billion over the next ten years to bring the water network up to modern standards.

Frequent pipe bursts, low water pressure, and inefficient supply lines are becoming the norm in parts of Sandton that were once reliably serviced.

Financial Losses and Operational Challenges

Water losses across Johannesburg are staggering—approximately 40% of the supply is lost due to leaks, illegal connections, and decaying infrastructure. This equates to over R2 billion in financial losses annually. Compounding the problem is the city’s limited budget and slow procurement processes, which continue to delay critical repairs and upgrades.

Water Restrictions and Ongoing Interruptions

To manage the strain, Johannesburg Water has introduced strict water demand management strategies. Notably, Sandton 1 and 2 meters are being shut off during high-demand periods to stabilise reservoirs.

Residents are being asked to comply with level-1 water restrictions:

• No watering of gardens using hosepipes between 6:00 and 18:00

• No filling of swimming pools during daylight hours

• Car washing with hosepipes is prohibited

These measures, while necessary, are affecting the daily routines of thousands of residents and causing frustration among homeowners.

How It’s Affecting Residential Properties

The consequences of the water infrastructure crisis are being felt directly in the property market and everyday living:

• Declining Property Values: Inconsistent services reduce neighbourhood appeal, particularly for buyers seeking reliability.

• Daily Inconvenience: Water outages are disrupting family life, work-from-home setups, and basic hygiene routines.

• Added Expenses: Many homeowners are now investing in boreholes, JoJo tanks, and filtration systems just to maintain normal living standards.

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What Can Residents Do?

While large-scale change must come from the city and national government, homeowners and residents can take several steps to protect their property and ensure efficient water use:

Install Water-Efficient Fixtures

Use low-flow taps, dual-flush toilets, and water-saving showerheads to reduce usage without compromising comfort.

Collect Rainwater

Install rainwater tanks or JoJo tanks to supply irrigation systems or serve as an emergency backup during outages.

Report Local Leaks

Report infrastructure failures promptly to Johannesburg Water and encourage neighbours to do the same.

Looking Ahead

The water infrastructure issues facing Sandton are not isolated—they reflect a nationwide challenge in South Africa. However, residents, developers, and local authorities must work together to find both immediate and long-term solutions.

Addressing these problems will not only stabilise living conditions but also protect one of Johannesburg’s most valuable residential and commercial areas from further decline.

Sources: Sowetan LIVE – “We need R27bn for infrastructure upgrading ”Times LIVE – “Johannesburg Water boss on ageing systems” Johannesburg Water – Sandton 1 and 2 meters closed notice